Exercise

In the pool.

Here I am with my boyfriend after a swim. Exercise has helped to improve my mood during depressive episodes. At times, excessive exercise seemed to contribute to mania, but moderate exercise has almost always worked to even out my mood and energy level.

My favorite forms of exercise these days are swimming, biking, and walking. Late last year, I joined the YMCA and, three times a week, I have been spending 30 minutes on the elliptical trainer, using Cybex weight machines to do a series of arm, chest, and shoulder exercises, and then going for a swim, where I mostly swim breaststroke, but also swim freestyle and backstroke. Lately, on my days off from the gym, I have been taking walks and swimming at my condo pool. This summer, I am looking forward to taking more bike rides.

I have noticed that I sleep extremely well after either lifting weights or swimming, so if I am having a little trouble sleeping for a few days, I know these exercises can help me get back on track. If you have bipolar disorder, you know that regular sleep is extremely important in managing this health condition.

I have taken yoga sporadically throughout my life, and it has always helped me. My last yoga class was the best one I have ever experienced. The form of yoga we practiced was Iyengar yoga, and my teacher provided many props, which were extremely helpful, as well as a lot of individual instruction. The yoga studio was in the basement of a church, and I never saw more than ten people in a class. My teacher often spoke of mindfulness, and even recommended books that would give us a better understanding of yoga. It was wonderful. Unfortunately, it was a little outside of my budget, so I quit attending class--at least for the time being. Yoga is offered at the YMCA. I know it will not be quite the same experience, but I should probably get myself to a class.